Being optimistic at any age fosters a positive mindset as well as the ability to face struggles and persevere life’s challenges. We know this is especially true for our children, who are watching us respond to our challenges, and learning from us everyday. So how do we teach the skill of optimism to our kids? Is being optimistic a teachable skill? The answer is an astounding, YES!
Scientists know that children pick up on optimistic reactions quickly, and if parents are aware and model being optimistic, that their children will be too!
Here are 5 tips to modeling optimism for your kids…
1. Model failure as proof of good effort. We fail from time to time as humans. Show your child that failure is temporary, not permanent. Praise their effort in trying something new, and explain that the failure is proof that they tried, and failing is better than not trying at all.
2. Get them to try new things. Give your child the confidence to continue trying new things, and it being okay if they didn’t like it! Ask them to try a new food, hold a worm from the dirt, play a new instrument, or hop from one rug to the other. Trying new things also helps them with boredom!
3. The power of yet. Every time your child states they can’t do something, rephrase what they say, to they can’t do it yet. For example: Your child says, “I can’t ride that bike.” You say, “No, you can’t ride it yet.” Meaning, they may not be able to do something right now, but WILL at some point conquer that skill. Make sure you use the word yet yourself when modeling! “I can’t quite play this note, yet. But I will!”
4. Opportunities to help. Look for ways to make your child feel successful and helpful to you. They love to help be kind to others! Give them opportunities to do something they can be successful at to both feel valued and capable. Can they put away the clean sippy cups for you? Roll out your elderly neighbors trash can? Pick up that penny you just dropped?
5. Model that emotional support. Our little ones don’t quite understand all their emotions right away. Don’t forget to model dealing with frustrating circumstances yourself, and to them when either of you get upset. All the modeling, hugs, kisses, and pep talks help them build the courage to handle those big feelings on their own until they make it a habit to do it on their own!
This world is tough, but we can teach our kids to be tougher. Providing them with optimistic skills will equip well them for life!
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Growing Sound’s Music is Based on the Latest Research in Social & Emotional Development.
We have received numerous awards for our products including Mom’s Choice Award, Parent’s Choice Award, Teachers Choice Award, Creative Child Magazine Award, Family Review Center Awards, Oppenheim Award, and more.
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Who You’ll Be Someday:
Songs and Stories for
Naptime and Bedtime
Ages 0-4
 I Can Do It: Songs of Confidence Ages 3+ |
 I Can Settle Down: Songs of Self-Control Ages 3+ |
 I Can Count on You: Songs of Belonging Ages 3+ |
 Un Mundo, One World: Songs of Resilience in English and Spanish (Bilingual) Ages 3+ |
 For Now and Forever: Songs Celebrating Families Ages 1-3+ |
 My Box of Dreams: Songs for Naptime and Bedtime Ages 1-3 |
 Becoming My Own Me: Songs for Developing Toddlers Ages 1-3 |
 Beautiful Baby, Wonderful Child: Songs for Infants and Toddlers Ages 0-3 |
 Feeling Positive: Songs of Optimism, Curiosity, Kindness and Gratitude Ages 4+ |
 Here, Now Know-How: Songs of Mindfulness Ages 4+ |
 Imagination Generation: Songs of Creativity Ages 4+ |
 New Day: Songs of Hope and Optimism Ages 4+ |
 Tough Stuff: Songs of Motivation Ages 3+ |
 Take Care: Songs of Friendship and Social Awareness Ages 3-6+ |
 Everyone Is Someone: Songs of Social and Emotional Responsibility Ages 7+ |
 Dandelion: Songs for Developing Toddlers and Early Preschoolers Ages 2+ |
 Anything’s Possible: Songs for a Montessori Environment Ages 3+ |
 My Hand In Your Hand: Songs for Families Who Reach Out in Love Ages 3+ |
 Music in My Mouth: Songs for Speech and Language Skills Ages 3+ |
 I Belong to a Beautiful Family Ages 3+ |
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